Tester 041615

TESTER Naval Air Station Patuxent River

Vol. 72, No. 15

Pax Conducts Prescribed Burn Page 2

Recycling at ATR Page 3

Accolades Around the Air Station Pages 6 and 7

Celebrating 72 Years of Community Partnership

April 16, 2015

Expanded hours coming for Gate 3

By Shawn Graham NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

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ommuters who regularly get stuck in traffic during rush hour at NAS Patuxent River will soon have a reason to re• Expanded hours for joice.

Gate 3 commence After two April 20 years of limited • New hours: 5:30 a.m. service, Gate 3 to 6:30 p.m. is finally scheduled to expand • Travelers without its hours of opapproved credentials are erations beginrequired to obtain one ning April 20 from Gate 2 Pass & ID to Pax personat Building 2189 nel. The gate is situated at the intersection of Hermanville Road and Route 235, approximately two miles south of Gate 2.

Those traveling into the base on weekdays may use the inbound and outbound entrances from 5:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Gate 3 will be closed on weekends and holidays.

“I want to assure you that any decision about the use and manning of the NAS Pax River gates is made with consideration of many factors, including the morale of the workforce and the possible impact to the local community,” said NAS Patuxent River Commanding Officer Capt.

Heidi Fleming. “We appreciate the support from our partners in the Pax River community.

“I understand the concerns our local community leaders have had on the traffic impact gate changes can have on St. Mary’s County, and I appreciate their continued support,” she said. “I believe this change to Gate 3 operating hours will improve the traffic backups we’ve seen during lunch hours as well as will allow our workforce more lunch options with easier access to establishments south of the base.”

Fleming also praised NAS Patuxent River’s security department for their efforts in keeping Gate 3 open.

“I want you to know that our civilian and military police officers are working hard to provide the most service they can,” Fleming said. “They vigilantly stand their duties at the gates in rain, sleet, and most recently snow.”

NAS Patuxent River Chief of Police John Romer, said Gate 3’s new hours would also alleviate traffic congestion on Gates 1 and 2 during peak traffic hours.

“There is heavy traffic on Three Notch Road, especially early in the morning and during lunch,” Romer explained. “This change will benefit our base personnel and our community partners who travel near the base. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”

Travelers without appropriate access credentials will still be required to obtain approved clearance from the Gate 2 Pass and ID office in Building 2189. It is open from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

U.S. Navy graphic by Shawn Graham

Butt really? Environmental impact of cigarettes

By Laura Labella NAS Patuxent River Public Works Department, Natural Resources and Shawn Graham NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

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veryone knows smoking cigarettes is hazardous to their health, but studies show that cigarette butts can be just as dangerous for the environment.

Although overall cigarette smoking in America has decreased, cigarette litter is emerging as a major problem in communities around the world.

One-third of cigarettes sold end up as butts discarded into the environment.

These butts are not biodegradable, and the toxic materials are poisonous when ingested by children and other living organisms.

These discarded cigarettes can also ignite and cause destructive and deadly fires.

Fires caused by cigarette butts Anyone who drives on Three Notch Road or Mervell Dean Road near the tractor supply may have seen the large patch of burned grass between those two roads recently. This was most likely caused by a cigarette butt tossed out of a car window.

It was probably an absent minded thing, as many people do not even consider cigarette butts as litter.

Dropped cigarette butts have been the

Facts about the toxic problems from cigarette butts: • Cigarette butts are the number one trash item found on earth • Cigarette butts contain lead, cadmium, arsenic, formaldehyde, acetone, and benzene • The nicotine trapped inside 200 cigarette butts is enough to kill an adult human. These chemicals and compounds get washed out of the filter and into our water when it rains • 80 percent of butts on the ground find their way into our water systems and detract from the quality of our drinking water • There are over 176,000,000 pounds of discarded butts in the United States each year. 4.5 trillion butts are littered yearly worldwide • Over 100 young children per year are hospitalized after ingesting cigarette butts that are discarded on the ground or from reachable ashtrays • Cigarette butts have been found in the stomachs of dead fish, sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals • Filters and plastic wrap from cigarette packages remain in the environment for long periods of time. Cigarette butts are composed of cellulose acetate, a form of plastic, which can take as many an estimated 2 to 25 years to decompose. cause of numerous house and apartment fires, as well as 4,500 grass and brush fires per year, and some of the largest, most destructive forest fires.

Based on data from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) National Fire Incident Reporting System and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2011, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 90,000 smoking-material fires in the U.S. These fires resulted in an

estimated 540 deaths, 1,640 injuries and $621 million in direct property damage.

Environmental hazard A cigarette butt or cigar tip dropped to the ground seems insignificant, but that butt will be carried off by rain into storm drains and eventually to streams and

See Butts, Page 5

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Thursday, April 16, 2015

Pax conducts prescribed burning

Courtesy photo

According to the Xerces Society for invertebrate conservation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responding to a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity and others by conducting a one-year review on Monarch butterflies as to whether they warrant protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Pax River’s Environmental Division conducted a prescribed burn at Fishing Point Recreation Area, April 2. A prescribed burn reduces excessive amounts of brush, shrubs, and trees, encouraging the new growth of native vegetation.

The method also offers benefits that cannot be achieved by mowing alone. Prescribed burning removes the layer of thatch that builds up from mowing and grasses being bent over during winter. If left covered by thatch, grasses do not grow uniformly. This creates a patchy habitat where woody vegetation and invasive plants persist.

Habitat management helps butterflies flutter by

By Donna Cipolloni NAS Patuxent River

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U.S. Navy photos by Shawn Graham

Bloodsworth Island is for the birds Heron rookery monitored by Pax River’s environmental division

By Donna Cipolloni NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

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cquired by the Navy in 1942, Bloodsworth Island is located 18 miles southeast of NAS Patuxent River and has had a long history as an active bombing range. There have been no inhabitants on the island for decades — at least no human inhabitants.

For a large colony — or rookery — of Great Blue Heron, however, the island is home sweet home. And the Navy can take some credit for that.

“The island was under control of Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base for years and there was already

a heron rookery there while they owned it,” explained Kyle Rambo, Pax River conservation director. “Because of our closer proximity to the island, we agreed to do the natural resources management for them, which included monitoring the rookery.”

Rambo explained that herons are communal nesters, building as many as 30 to 50 different nests in one large oak tree, for example.

Over the years, saltwa-

U.S. Navy photos by Donna Cipolloni

Navy-owned Bloodsworth Island is home to a large colony of Great Blue Herons. Herons, which have a seven foot wingspan and can fly 20-30 miles per hour, begin breeding in early spring. ter intrusion on the eroding island killed off the large trees and there were mostly pines remaining, with a single stalk and just a few limbs sturdy enough to hold a small number of nests.

When the Maryland Department of Natural Re-

sources noticed the decline, they asked if the Navy could do something to help.

Pax River’s support of the rookery “Because they’re communal

See Birds, Page 3

ne state-endangered butterfly in Maryland — the Frosted Elfin — has found a safe spot to call home aboard NAS Patuxent River, thanks to the installation’s environmental division.

“Pollinator habitat management is something we do here at Pax,” said Jackie Smith, natural resources specialist. “We currently manage two small sections on base because we’ve identified Wild Indigo growing; the host plant used by the Frosted Elfin to lay its eggs.”

One of the areas is an abandoned utility right of way on the western side of the air station, and another is a spot beneath an antenna array, not far from Gate 1.

Smith noted that management of the areas includes deliberate mowing restrictions.

“We’ll mow around the areas where the plant is growing and in the summer, when we have interns working with us, we’ll send them out to do hand cutting,” she said. “The idea is to keep the woody vegetation from growing up to out-compete this plant, but not to cut down the plant itself.”

Since the ground beneath the antenna array must be well maintained, it is mowed at very specific times.

“Once the butterfly lays its eggs, when the larva reaches a certain stage in late summer or early fall, it will drop to the ground, crawl under the leaf lit-

ter and overwinter there, only to come up again next spring,” Smith explained.

“If you go in at the wrong time with mowing equipment, you’ll smash that year’s butterfly crop.”

Smith noted the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is interested in what Pax River is doing to preserve the Frosted Elfin’s habitat, as it is only one of two areas where the butterfly is known to occur. The other is on the Eastern Shore.

Monarch: The king of butterflies The DOD has recently entered into an understanding with the Pollinator Partnership to promote the conservation and management of pollinators, their habitats and associated ecosystems on military installations and ranges.

Focus is currently on the Monarch butterfly, a once common and well-known species that has been proposed for inclusion on the endangered species list.

Pax River has performed past surveys documenting the Monarch’s presence here and conducts a number of habitat management activities for their benefit, such as prescribed burning and control of invasive species.

“In 2004, the Endangered Species Act was modified to say that if DOD is already adequately managing a species, they won’t designate critical habitat on our installations,” Smith said.

See Butterfly, Page 3

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Thursday, April 16, 2015

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A sustainable future begins with you From the Atlantic Test Ranges Sustainability Office

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A sustainable future begins with you”. This is the Navy’s theme for this year’s Earth Day, April 22. One way that you can support this theme is by recycling your inorganic office materials right here on base.

Recycling at NAS Patuxent River differs slightly from what you may be used to at home.

The major difference between on-base recycling and county regulated recycling is the lack of single stream recycling here on base. At single stream recycling facilities, assorted types of recyclable materials can be combined into one container, but at NAS Pax these materials must be separated into separate bins.

What we recycle Pax recycling uses four primary bin types: paper, aluminum and steel cans, plastic bottles, and glass. If a glass bin is not available in your area, glass bottles can be placed in the plastic bin. To assist with the sorting process, please ensure that the correct materials go in their corresponding bins and that the materials are empty and free of food waste. Other materials such as electronics and machinery are currently

BUTTERFLY

Continued from 2 “That designation can take an area completely out of operational capability, and we want to avoid that.”

The Monarch’s larval host plants are several different species of Milkweed, so the next step is looking at the possibility of planting those around the installation where personnel are already conducting habitat management.

“The fact that it has become a focus federally means there will likely be grant money available to do something like that,” Smith said.

Meanwhile, each of us can do our part by providing pollinator habitat in our own backyards, and staff from the environmental division will be at the April 23 Earth Day

handled by a separate contractor; please do not bring these items to Pax recycling.

The base recycles over 1,000 tons of materials every year. These recycling efforts are managed by William Stewart. He and his staff of eight contracted employees coordinate the recycling efforts by picking up, sorting, and distributing over 100,000 pounds of paper, plastic, and glass each month.

Other recyclable material such as aluminum, steel, and various heavy metals are also collected on base, but are managed separately by the Defense Reutilization Management Office (DRMO). DRMO combines this scrap metal with the various unusable materials they collect and sells off this recyclable scrap on a weekly basis depending on market price.

Benefits of recycling There are many environmental benefits to recycling. Recycling helps conserve resources, reduce pollution, and save energy, but it is also profitable. The Navy profits by selling recycled materials to regional recycling processing plants at market value.

Shredded paper is more compact than othevent at the Beach House, manning booths that educate visitors about the plight of the Monarch butterfly — and distributing packets of Common Milkweed seed.

“With their natural habitat dwindling — native grasslands and meadowlands — we’ll be encouraging people to allow at least a small section of their yard to grow in wildflowers,” Smith added.

“Anywhere we can do a controlled version of those meadow places will be a benefit to a number of pollinating species.”

Through federal law and regulations, the DOD is responsible for the conservation and management of natural and cultural resources, ecological processes and threatened, endangered and sensitive or rare plant and animal species and their habitats on its properties.

U.S. Navy graphic

er types of paper and therefore allows for more volume per pallet, which means more money in the government’s pocket.

Pax recycling does not have an in-house shredder. However, some offices have their own internal shredders, and by shredding and recycling ‘non-classified’ material, they enable Pax recycling efforts to be much more profitable. Last month, Pax recycling shipped out 44 tons of recycled paper, collecting approximately

BIRDS

Continued from 2 nesters, their eggs are literally all in one basket,” Rambo noted. “One site with hundreds of pairs of heron may be responsible for the heron population in the entire central Chesapeake Bay area. Herons you see feeding in creeks here at Pax are almost certainly breeding at Bloodsworth, 18 miles away. There are other rookeries around, but this was a big one.”

In 1983, with the help of Maryland DNR and other environmental agencies, the Navy erected 26 wooden multi-armed artificial nesting towers and also designated the northern portion of the island — where the herons reside —as a “no fire area” to further protect them.

“The birds loved the towers; they were an immediate success,” Rambo said.

$3,500. More importantly, recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees, so this is 748 trees!

The recycling staff regularly services bins from over 195 different buildings, serving not just Pax River but also Solomons Recreation Center and Webster Field. In addition to their regular pick-up schedule, this small staff also serves 93 other locations on an ‘as-needed’ basis with a multiple future locations on the horizon.

“The population rebounded and did so well that we went back in the 90s and added more.”

In 2001, Little Creek turned over ownership of Bloodsworth Island to Atlantic Test Range, and Rambo’s team, per an environmental mitigation requirement, still visits the island each year to monitor the health and condition of the rookery.

Today, with water continuing to inundate the island, not even the pines are surviving, except for the skinny red cedar, which can support only a nest or two.

Even the artificial towers are dwindling.

“It’s a harsh environment and the highest point on the island is only 5 feet above sea level,” Rambo noted. “Hurricanes take out the towers, local hunters have cut some down and used the wood to build duck blinds, and others have just fallen over. What-

However, even with all these locations, recycling as a whole has declined on base over the past year.

There is no definitive explanation for this shortage, but the drop may be attributed to an overall reduction in the generation of recyclable materials, for example; reduced printing practices and the consumption of fewer bottled drinks.

The more you recycle, the less trash must be collected and exported offbase. By reducing trash,

you decrease the amount of money the government spends on landfill utilization fees. These costs are minor compared to the environmental costs that coincide with landfill exploitation. So this Earth Day, remember, a sustainable future begins with you, and one sustainable step you can take includes recycling. For more information on recycling efforts please contact William Stewart at WStewart@ melwood.org.

ever we can raise, we’ll put back up.”

Rambo said. “They don’t stay in one place forever.

There goes the neighborhood

Current population

While there are still a fair number of towers on the island, their usage has fallen off for another reason.

“Two pairs of nesting bald eagles are living out there now and they will eat young herons,” Rambo said. “Where they have taken up residence, the herons have moved further away and none of the towers within a certain radius of the eagles’ nests are being used.”

The displaced herons are going elsewhere, finding another spot to call home.

“In nature, heron rookeries tend to move around eventually because they end up killing the trees they nest in by spreading [droppings] over the leaves until they can no longer photosynthesize, and the tree dies,”

Great Blue Herons dominate the species in the island’s rookery, but other species have also been identified there, including Little Green Heron, Tricolor Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret and Cattle Egret. Other species of colonial nesting waterbirds, such as Brown Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant and Glossy Ibis, also nest at the island complex, which includes Adam and Pone Islands.

“We got them over the hump and boosted the population,” Rambo said.

“There are still many birds there, but they’re in decline due to the eagle nests now and that won’t change.

We’re not going to eliminate the eagles because they have the right to be there too.”

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Thursday, April 16, 2015

Patuxent vs. Potomac

Pax scientist mentors student during water quality project

By Donna Cipolloni NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

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hief Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) Sam Holcomb, with Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20, remembers his daughter Kayla always being interested in water and the creatures that inhabit it.

“She has loved the water — particularly the ocean — since she could walk,” Holcomb said. “We visited SeaWorld when she was a baby and she loved the whales, dolphins and every other sea creature; she didn’t want to leave. When the Navy took us to Hawaii for 10 years, her love for the ocean and appreciation for the environment continued to grow.”

Now a senior at Great Mills High School, Kayla is enrolled in the two-year Natural Resources Management (NRM) Program at the Forrest Technology Center. Under the guidance of mentor Mario Maningas, with NAVFAC Public Works Environmental Department at NAS Patuxent River, she is currently finalizing the last few weeks of her capstone senior project.

“I wanted to know if the Patuxent and Potomac riv-

ers were different in any way,” she said, “so I decided to compare the water quality between the two.”

Maningas, a physical scientist by profession, has mentored college interns in the past, but this is his first time working with a high school student.

“I always enjoy [the students’] enthusiasm and willingness to learn,” Maningas said. “The stakes are a little different this time because Kayla needs to complete this project in order to graduate.

She’s a hard working young woman and there’s no doubt she’s doing well.”

Every week since February, Kayla has collected an offshore and shoreline water sample from each river, which is then analyzed in the lab to measure pH, temperature, conductivity, salinity, total dissolved and suspended solids, and total nitrogen.

In addition to water quality comparison, the project incorporates seasonal and historical analyses to see if the results are consistent within each river.

“In the winter months, I’ve noticed that the water quality seems better than in the spring,” Kayla said. “I’m

Save the date:

Atlantic Test Ranges selected as designated Sentinel Landscape From the Chesapeake Conservancy

T Courtesy photo

In the NAS Patuxent River Environmental Lab, Kayla Holcomb, a student at Great Mills High, prepares to test water samples she collected for her Natural Resources Program senior project. Holcomb is being mentored by a NAVFAC physical scientist. also looking at past historical water quality resources from both rivers to see how they match up to what I’ve collected.”

The purpose of the NRM senior project is to give students the opportunity to engage in authentic projects that may actually be undertaken by natural resources professionals.

“It’s more about the process and application of techniques learned in the program than about the results,” said John Spinicchia, NRM program instructor. “It’s a chance for students to collect environmental information, problem solve, organize, ex-

command, department and civilian organization must designate a team leader to organize and coordinate the event for their respective area of responsibility. Use of protective gloves is strongly recommended.

Earth-friendly events

Pax River Clean-up Day 8 a.m. to noon April 22 Rain date May 1

U.S. Navy photo

All military and civilian personnel employed aboard NAS Patuxent River are requested to participate in a thorough clean-up including, but not limited to, areas around buildings, walkways, sidewalks, adjacent parking areas, roadways, ditches and tree lines. Trash bags and latex gloves are available from the NAS Command Duty Office in Building 409. Clean-up will focus on removal of all litter to include cigarette butts. Litter is not only hazardous to drainage systems and our environment, but it is also an eyesore and unlawful. Each participating

7th Annual Calvert Green Expo 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 2 Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center

At Southern Maryland’s leading sustainability event, learn how to make your life and community healthier — environmentally. Explore more than 100 booths and talk with leaders and educators in green living, see the recent developments in renewable energy and green technology, learn how to lower home energy costs, harness solar power, build a green home, plant a healthier garden, compost waste and so much more.

plain and communicate their findings. And it lets them experience the issues, problems and successes they may encounter as a future professional.”

Kayla, who is interested in pursuing a science career in college, will present her final project findings to classmates, mentors and select administrators at the tech center in May. “I truly want her project to shine and for her to be happy with the work she accomplished,” Maningas said.

“And I hope I’ve been able to encourage and foster her love of science, specifically environmental science.”

Volunteers Needed for Station Diamondback Terrapin Survey 6 p.m. May 7, training Building 1410

Volunteer to assist with Diamondback Terrapin nesting surveys aboard Pax River. Volunteers receive training on how to conduct nest surveys; collect morphometric data from nesting females, hatchlings, and eggs; mark turtles; and protect nests from predators. Project runs May 15 through early fall. For information and sign up, contact Sarah Funck at 717383-1269 or at safunck@gmail.com.

Bike to Work Day May 15

Join the experienced cyclists from Pax Velo as they lead a convoy toward NAS Patuxent River from both the Callaway and Wildewood Shopping Centers, departing at 6:30 a.m. For info and questions, visit www.paxvelo.com.

he Chesapeake Conservancy recently recognized the designation of the Nanticoke River and its surrounding areas as a Sentinel Landscape by the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, and the Interior. Partnering with each agency, the Chesapeake Conservancy anticipates the designation to result in significant land conservation along the Nanticoke River, the primary flight path for aircraft out of NAS Patuxent River.

The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership was launched to preserve agricultural lands, assist with military readiness, and restore and protect wildlife habitat. Sentinel Landscapes are primarily working or natural lands where preserving the working and rural character of key landscapes strengthens the economies of farms, ranches, and forests; conserves habitat and natural resources; and protects vital test and training missions conducted by adjacent military installations.

“The Sentinel Landscapes program provides an important way to engage partners in proactive conservation while helping ensure the preservation of working landscapes and our military readiness,” said Interior Secretary Sally Jewell. “Military lands are often home to some of our nation’s best remaining habitat for wildlife, and provide an excellent opportunity to conserve species that are threatened or endangered.

We congratulate Fort Huachuca and NAS Patuxent

River and look forward to further collaborative efforts like these across the country.”

Over the past several years, the Chesapeake Conservancy has partnered with NAS Patuxent River, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, The Conservation Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and private foundations such as the Mt. Cuba Center, to work with landowners interested in conserving their lands. The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership will strengthen these efforts.

“This partnership is a great example of coordination and collaboration across the federal government and with private partners, demonstrating that we can have an impact well beyond what a single partner or agency can accomplish on its own,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “By connecting local citizens and organizations with our shared resources that best address their priorities, we are able to protect working lands, improve our military readiness and propel rural economic growth.”

“What excites me the most about this announcement,” said John Conger, performing the duties of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations and Environment, “is how this partnership will protect the test missions at Pax River and Fort Huachuca. The Sentinel Landscapes will be a magnet for conservation activities, but the real motivation at

See ATR, Page 5

Naval Air Station Patuxent River • tester@dcmilitary.com • www.facebook.com/NASPaxRiver The name Tester is a registered mark in the state of Maryland.

This paper is published by Comprint, Inc., 9030 Comprint Ct., Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, 301-948-1520, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Navy, under exclusive written contract with Naval District Washington.

This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Contents of the Tester are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by the U.S. Government, the DoD, or the Department of the Navy. The appearance of

advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or Southern Maryland Newspapers and Printing of the products or services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse

to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

Editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs Office. News copy should be submitted by Friday to be considered for the following week’s edition. All material is edited for accuracy, brevity, clarity, and conformity to regulations. To inquire about news copy, call 301-342-4163 or fax the Tester at 301863-9296.

Commercial advertising may be placed with the publisher by calling 301-862-2111.

Capt. Heidi Fleming Commanding Officer Capt. Scott Starkey Executive Officer CMDCM Jeffrey Owejan Command Master Chief Connie Hempel Public Affairs Officer

Shawn Graham Public Affairs Specialist and Tester Editor Donna Cipolloni Staff Writer Breton Helsel Copy/layout editor

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Tester

Thursday, April 16, 2015

5

Exploring renewable energy April is Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention Month and alternative fuels Of note

By Donna Cipolloni NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

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xpanding use of renewable energy and alternative fuels represents one of the five energy pillars identified in the 2013 Naval District Washington (NDW) Energy Policy Statement, and are two of the key factors toward building a sustainable future.

As technology advances and these utilities become more financially accessible, NDW and Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) will further develop and implement various projects at installations throughout the region.

Evaluating solar power NAS Patuxent River and Joint Base Anacostia Bolling have both been identified by National Renewable Energy Labs as having a potential for 17 megawatts of solar photovoltaic power arrays to be located on the two installations, noted Karl Bryan, Pax River’s installation energy manager.

“The Public Works Department is heading up a team that includes asset management, environmental, energy and tenant command representatives to evaluate the potential for application of solar power and to avoid potential impact to mission operations,” Bryan explained. “Presently, an environmental assessment is being finalized and we’re moving closer to deciding what can be proposed for a solar installation at Pax.”

Targeted energy objectives/technologies Laid out in recent White House Executive Order 13693 — Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade — all government installations are to achieve the goal of 25 percent energy reduction and 20 percent water reduction by the year 2025.

BUTTS

Continued from 1 rivers. It adds up to a big impact on inhabited areas.

In fact, 32 percent of litter at storm drains is tobacco products Cigarette butts also impact water quality. With ef-

The continuing or future use of the following technologies will contribute to that reduction across the Navy, throughout the NDW region and here aboard Pax River: • Focus on hybrid and electric vehicles and how to best leverage their use. This includes hybrid gas/electric vehicles as possible all-purpose vehicles (APV) within the GSA fleet. NAVFAC is also exploring procurement options outside of the GSA as a fast, cheaper approach to the leased APV fleet • Solar hot water is presently designed into all Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver buildings to account for 30 percent of the building’s hot water requirement • Geothermal systems take advantage of stable ground temperature and the new systems — like those implemented with the Energy Savings Performance Contract at Webster Outlying Field — are using simultaneous heating and cooling ground source heat pumps • Solar pre-heated air is being considered in ventilation of buildings that require large amounts of fresh air per hour as a means to reduce conditioned air losses • Biomass — organic matter used as fuel — is being investigated, and action will be taken to open discussions with St. Mary’s County authorities about the potential to reduce waste contribution to landfills while generating electricity and reducing greenhouse gases via reduced waste transportation • Gas absorption chillers and heat recovery systems will be looked at in the future as part of the combined heating and cooling assemblies planned to be investigated as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while also increasing available on-site power generation for the base forts to clean up the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries a major focus, it is important to understand that the little filter that gets tossed on the ground can be a major contributor to water pollution.

Cigarette butt litter can also pose a hazard to animals and marine life when they mistake filters for food.

By Shawn D. Graham NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

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avy leaders recently announced the DOD 2015 SAAPM theme of “Eliminate Sexual Assault: Know your part. Do your part.”

The effort will focus on raising awareness and highlighting prevention of sexual violence with an emphasis on bystander intervention.

“The Program continues to evolve with new policies and higher standards,” said Gloria Arteaga, NAS Patuxent River Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. “We must demand and emphasize to respect our core values. We should always respect one another, a simple concept really.”

The goal of the Navy’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program is to prevent and respond to sexual assault, eliminating it from our ranks through a balance of focused education, comprehensive response, compassionate advocacy, and just adjudication in order to promote professionalism, respect,

ATR

Continued from 4 DOD is creating the buffer we need to protect these critical missions.”

The Sentinel Landscapes designation further enhances the Chesapeake Conservancy’s goal of creating a conserved and connected corridor of lands along the Nanticoke that support the region’s incredible biodiversity, working lands culture, and integrity of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, the nation’s first historic water trail.

“The Nanticoke is a key component of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, and one of the few regions that Captain John Smith could still recognize today. We’re very proud that the Nanticoke was selected as one of the very first Sentinel Landscapes in the country. The Conservancy applauds the Administration for their leadership in developing collaborative programs to address the needs of large landscape conservation,” Joel Dunn, executive director of the

U.S. Navy photo illustration by MC1 Daniel Barker

To report a sexual assault contact your local Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, your local SAPR Victim Advocate or call, text, or click www.safehelpline.org/.

Earth Day 5K Race in support of SAPR is April 23 at the Beach House The annual Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Proclamation signing at NAS Patuxent River take place, prior to the race.

The SAPR Team is also offering NAS PAX River Tenants the opportunity to schedule the SAPR Table Top Exercise at your command.

and trust, while preserving Navy mission readiness.

At every level of service, Sailors must feel comfortable demonstrating the respect and professionalism to treat everyone as a fellow Sailor, on or off duty, and to intervene if events are likely to generate damaging or potentially catastrophic outcomes.

“One thing for sure, the battle against sexual assault in the military cannot be fought alone,” Arteaga

said. “Our program depends heavily on Sailors to spread the word and help our affected Sailors and Marines when they need us… if they need us. April is an opportunity to build on existing momentum to eliminate the crime of sexual assault and ensure all service members are committed to creating command climates of professionalism, dignity and respect.”

Sailors and commands

can find additional information, references and resources at www.sapr.navy. mil. The website contains turn-key information on organizing and executing SAAPM events. The website also includes resources for victims of sexual assault who want to reach out for information and support.

Learn more at: www. sapr.navy.mil, https:// www.safehelpline.org/ or http://www.navy.mil/ sapr/.

Chesapeake Conservancy, said. “Defending the country and defending the environment go hand in hand.”

As part of the new designation, the Sentinel Landscapes Partnership agencies will support the NAS Patuxent River Sentinel Landscape with ongoing technical assistance and funding for agricultural easements, buffer lands through DOD’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program, wetlands enhancement and restoration, and treatment of invasive species.

“This is a win-win for both the Atlantic Test Ranges at NAS Patuxent River and the surrounding environment,” said Capt. Heidi Fleming, commanding officer of Naval Air Station Patuxent River.

“Designating the Nanticoke Corridor as a Sentinel Landscape maintains our unique flight test and evaluation capabilities at the Atlantic Test Ranges while protecting important habitats for imperiled wildlife species and preserving agricultural land in the area.”

“The partnership we’ve

developed between federal and state agencies, nonprofits and local citizens, has made great strides towards protecting this incredible landscape.

The recent designation will greatly enhance these efforts by helping us connect previously protected areas and conserve this mosaic of farms and forests,” Joanna Ogburn, director of programs for the Chesapeake Conservancy, said.

The Nanticoke has long been regarded as one of the most pristine and ecologically significant watersheds in the mid-Atlantic region. With ecosystems ranging from upland forest to the rare Atlantic white cedar wetland, the landscape provides habitat for a diverse community of plants and animals. The area is home to 180 state or globally rare plant species and more than 70 animal species considered rare or uncommon. It has its own Nanticoke Important Bird Area designated by Audubon, and is a large component of the internationally important Chesapeake Bay Estuarine Ramsar Site, serving large concentrations of

migratory waterfowl and Neotropical migratory birds. The importance of the area is further evidenced by the location of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, which recently expanded its boundaries to create the Nanticoke Unit.

The Nanticoke also forms one of the primary branches of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, the nation’s first historic water trail, and remains culturally significant to three American Indian tribes.

This Sentinel Landscape designation compliments other recent developments involving the Chesapeake Conservancy In 2008, on the heels of the establishment of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, the U.S. Department of the Interior, states of Delaware and Maryland, and the Chesapeake Conservancy signed an agreement to work together to protect the Nanticoke River. The USFWS, and several other conservation organizations subsequently joined this effort.

Tester

6

New leaders learn the value of mentoring

By Emily Funderburk NAVAIR Total Force (AIR 7.3) Communications Support

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Pax welcomes new military working dog

M

entors can lend a hand up along the way as you climb the career ladder.

That’s what 24 developing NAVAIR leaders learned from a panel of NAVAIR senior leaders March 23-27 as part of a NAVAIR Leadership Development Program (NLDP) Washington Arena Seminar class, the second in a series of five classes NLDP members take over a period of three to five years.

Mentoring is a developmental relationship that pairs an experienced person (mentor) with a less experienced person (mentee).

NAVAIR Commander Vice Adm. David Dunaway wrote in his “2014 Commander’s Guidance” that a top priority is to “prepare people for the future,” which includes mentoring.

“Mentoring is a key principle that we integrated into every part of NLDP,” said Jenny Russell, NLDP director. “We feel that having NLDP participants hear directly from NAVAIR and the Department of the Navy senior leaders on how mentoring affected their career is paramount to the success of their journey.”

One such lesson is that you do not have to be limited to just one mentor.

“Most of our guest briefers expressed their use of more than one mentor, whether it be formally or informally,” said NLDP participant Roderick Dailey. “Because the mentoring relationship focuses on developing the mentee professionally and personally, you can require more than one mentor throughout your professional career.”

For Dailey, a mentor is “a more seasoned person leading someone less experienced in much the same way teachers facilitate learning,” he explained.

Cmdr. Martin Rumrill, an NLDP participant, said the experience you learn from mentors is perhaps the most important step to becoming a leader.

U.S. Navy photo by Jenny Russell

Kathleen Donnelly, director, Support Equipment and Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment Department, left, and NAVAIR Leadership Development Program participant June Brooks practice mentoring at the Washington Arena Seminar class March 23-27 in Arlington, Va. “Experience is, by far, the best teacher, and what better way to learn than through the experiences and wisdom of others?” he said.

Karl Gutekunst, agreed, saying, “Mentoring is an invaluable tool for gaining candid insight into the challenges of leadership and gaining a perspective otherwise not obtained in my routine duties.”

As a young engineer just starting out, Kathleen Donnelly, now the director of NAVAIR’s Support Equipment and Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment Department, said she benefited from mentoring.

“Mentoring is critical in helping to develop self-confidence in new employees and apprentices,” she said.

“When a mentor lends a word of support and encouragement, it can go a long way toward shaping the direction a mentee takes with his or her career.”

The panel also touched on the characteristics of successful leaders, including: .

Self-awareness .

Balance .

Courage .

Accountability .

Values .

Passion .

Communication .

Approachability .

Being responsible for your own inclusion .

Understanding the organizational culture Established in 2007, NAVAIR’s mentoring program offers speed and group men-

toring, training, a playbook and an online tool, iMentor, to help match mentors and mentees. Currently, there are 5,300 NAVAIR civilians, including NLDP participants, registered in iMentor.

In addition to mentoring, the class, which was held at the NAVAIR Washington Liaison Office in Arlington, Virginia, gave a practical introduction to the interaction, political influences and communication challenges between NAVAIR, the Department of the Navy and Department of Defense. Employees participated in book club discussions, attended a session on stress management and building resilience, toured the Pentagon and learned about Emergenetics, a tool used to analyze individual thinking attributes.

About the NLDP The newest NLDP group includes 72 employees who, in addition to taking leadership training classes such as this one, will partake in developmental assignments, create individual development plans, shadow senior leaders, attend leadership and diversity events and build a professional network.

Learn more about NLDP and NAVAIR’s other training and developmental programs at www.navair.navy.mil/jobs/ training.html.

Emily Funderburk provides contract communication support as an employee of Bowhead Professional Solutions, LLC.

U.S. Navy photo by Shawn Graham

Mark, a military working dog (MWD), along with his partner Master at Arms 2nd Class John Melendez, conducted a sweep of Building 409, March 29. As a partner in everyday military work, MWDs have proven versatile and loyal. Dogs chase suspects, track them if they are hidden, and guard them when they are caught. They are trained to respond viciously if their handler is attacked, and otherwise not to react at all unless they are commanded to do so by their handler. Some dogs are also trained in drug and explosive detection as well.

ACCOLADES AROUND THE AIR STATION

U.S. Navy photo

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. John Reynolds, left, pins the new rank onto Maj. Kyle Hollis’ uniform during Hollis’ April 1 promotion ceremony at NAS Patuxent River. Hollis is the Safety Capability manager and Avionics Component Improvement Program (AvCIP) integrated product team lead for the Air Combat Electronics Program Office (PMA-209).

U.S. Navy photo by Connie Hempel

Laura Monto receives a Letter of Appreciation from Capt. Heidi Fleming superior performance as the food and beverage director at NAS Pax River from October 2011 to April 2015.

U.S. Navy photo by Naval Aircrewman (Operator) 2nd Class Justin Frialde

Cmdr. Timothy Burke, left, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21 commanding officer, places an officer’s combination cover atop the head of Ensign Mobolaji Popoola. Popoola, also assigned to HX-21 was commissioned April 1 at Rivers Edge Catering and Conference Center.

U.S. Navy photo by Connie Hempel

BJ Waldron receives a Letter of Appreciation from Capt. Heidi Fleming superior performance as the Child Development Center Director and Child and Youth Program Installation Director at NAS Pax River from November 2012 to April 2015.

Capt. Heidi Fleming, NAS commanding officer, recognized numerous NAS staff with awards and Bravo Zulus during command quarters March 27 at Center Stage Theater:

SECNAV directs Navy to expand use of LEDs SECNAV directed that brighter, longer-lasting and more energy-efficient lighting be installed on U.S. Navy ships under construction as part of a strategy designed to help increase these ships’ time on-station, decrease time spent on maintenance, and prevent shipboad injuries.

U.S. Navy photos by Shawn Graham

Valerie Conner a Bravo Zulu for her professionalism to Drill Hall patrons.

Natasha Graves a Bravo Zulu for her rapid response to a driver who was in distress outside the base.

Tester

Thursday, April 16, 2015

ACCOLADES AROUND THE AIR STATION

7

CONTINUED

Electronics Technician 1st Class Kyle Harris a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for exemplary service while serving as air traffic control communications technician at NAS Patuxent River from May 2012 to March 2015.

Electronics Technician 2nd Class Brian Campbell receives a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during NAS awards quarters March 26, 2015, for exemplary service as miniature/microminiature (2M) supervisor at NAS Patuxent River from April 2012 to April 2015.

Navy Counselor 1st Class Kristy Horne a Letter of Commendation for her selection as NAS Patuxent River Sailor of the Quarter, First Quarter, Fiscal Year 2015.

Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class Joseph Somers a Letter of Commendation for his selection as NAS Patuxent River Junior Sailor of the Quarter, First Quarter, Fiscal Year 2015.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Taquonna Little a Letter of Commendation for her selection as NAS Patuxent River Bluejacket of the Quarter, First Quarter, Fiscal Year 2015.

Electronics Technician 3rd Class Jordan Vickers a Letter of Commendation for exemplary service completing 2,100 hours of electronic maintenance and repair.

Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Ken Landers a Letter of Appreciation for improving the quality of life of unaccompanied housing residents.

Keairria Carey a Letter of Appreciation for improving the quality of life of unaccompanied housing residents.

Adaryll Ferguson a Letter of Appreciation for improving the quality of life of unaccompanied housing residents.

James Franklin a Letter of Appreciation for improving the quality of life of unaccompanied housing residents.

Timothy Franklin a Letter of Appreciation for improving the quality of life of unaccompanied housing residents.

Brian Hayden a Letter of Appreciation for improving the quality of life of unaccompanied housing residents.

Lt. Jonathan Zisko a Bravo Zulu for his response to a heating failure in Building 401.

Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Justin Brown a Bravo Zulu for his response to damage of a fire suppression system water main pipe in Building 103.

Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class Matthew Eubanks a Bravo Zulu for his response to damage of a fire suppression system water main pipe in Building 103.

Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Ivan Sanchez a Bravo Zulu for his response to damage of a fire suppression system water main pipe in Building 103.

Dexter Hutcherson a Letter of Appreciation for improving the quality of life of unaccompanied housing residents.

James Jones a Letter of Appreciation for improving the quality of life of unaccompanied housing residents.

Darryl Romer a Letter of Appreciation for improving the quality of life of unaccompanied housing residents.

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8

Center Stage Theater

News Briefs ON BASE Pax River Legal Office Closure The Patuxent River Legal Office is closed: April 17, 23 and 24. For more information, call 301-342-7510.

• Movie Line: 301-342-5033 • Reservations: 301-342-3648 • Ticket Prices: E-1 to E-5 category: adults, $3.50 and youths ages 6-11, $2.50. All others: adults, $4.50; youths ages 6-11, $3.50.

• 3-D glasses: $1 • Authorized ID required for admission Thursday, April 16 6:30 p.m., Run All Night (Rated: R, 2 hrs.)

Brooklyn mobster and prolific hit man, Jimmy Conlon, once known as The Gravedigger, has seen better days. Longtime best friend of mob boss, Shawn Maguire, Jimmy, now 55, is haunted by the sins of his past-as well as a dogged police detective who’s been one step behind Jimmy for 30 years. Lately, it seems Jimmy’s only solace can be found at the bottom of a whiskey glass. But when Jimmy’s estranged son, Mike, becomes a target, Jimmy must make a choice between the crime family he chose and the real family he abandoned long ago. With Mike on the run, Jimmy’s only penance for his past mistakes may be to keep his son from the same fate Jimmy is certain he’ll face himself at the wrong end of a gun. Now, with nowhere safe to turn, Jimmy just has one night to figure out exactly where his loyalties lie and to see if he can finally make things right.

Friday, April 17 6:30 p.m., The Divergent Series: Insurgent (Rated: PG-13, 1 hr. 59 mins.)

This film raises the stakes for Tris as she searches for allies and answers in the ruins of a futuristic Chicago. Tris and Four are now

Thursday, April 16, 2015

fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine (Winslet), the leader of the power-hungry Erudite elite.

Racing against time, they must find out what Tris’s family sacrificed their lives to protect, and why the Erudite leaders will do anything to stop them. Haunted by her past choices but desperate to protect the ones she loves, Tris, with Four at her side, faces one impossible challenge after another as they unlock the truth about the past and ultimately the future of their world.

9:10 p.m., Get Hard (Rated: R, 1 hr. 40 mins.)

When millionaire hedge fund manager James is nailed for fraud and bound for a stretch in San Quentin, the judge gives him 30 days to get his affairs in order.

Desperate, he turns to Darnell to prep him for a life behind bars. But despite James’ one-percenter assumptions, Darnell is a hard-working small business owner who has never received a parking ticket, let alone been to prison. Together, the two men do whatever it takes for James to “get hard” and, in the process, discover how wrong they were about a lot of things — including each other.

Saturday, April 18 4 p.m., Cinderella (Rated: PG, 1 hr. 53 mins.)

The story follows the fortunes

of young Ella whose merchant father remarries following the tragic death of her mother. Keen to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother Lady Tremaine and her daughters Anastasia and Drizella into the family home. But when Ella’s father suddenly and unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.” And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an employee at the palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul.

scribable love a father has for his little boy and the love a son has for his father. **First come first served. Admission begins at 1 p.m.** No camera phones, camcorders or any other recording devices are permitted in the theater, this includes tablets and hand held gaming systems that have a camera.

6:30 p.m., The Divergent Series: Insurgent (Rated: PG-13, 1 hr. 59 mins.)

Sunday, May 10 2:00 p.m., Pitch Perfect 2 Free Sneak Preview (Rated: PG-13, 1 hr. 55 mins.)

Collegiate a cappella group the Barden Bellas enter into an international competition that no American team has ever won. **First come first served. Admission begins at 1 p.m.** No camera phones, camcorders or any other recording devices are permitted in the theater, this includes tablets and hand held gaming systems that have a camera.

9:10 p.m., Get Hard (Rated: R, 1 hr. 40 mins.)

Sunday, April 19 2 p.m., Little Boy Free Sneak Preview (Rated: PG-13, 1 hr. 46 mins.)

The inspirational story of a 7-year-old boy who is willing to do whatever it takes to end World War II so he can bring his father home. The story reveals the inde-

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Monday, April 20 and Tuesday, April 21 Theater is not open Wednesday, April 22 6:30 p.m., The Divergent Series: Insurgent (Rated: PG-13, 1 hr. 59 mins.)

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Building 409 Sidewalk Work Roadwork, sidewalk and curb repair at Building 409 has closed the front parking lot and the side drives between buildings 409 and 460. To minimize impact, work is being done in three phases and should be completed in May. Only two entrance doors are open at a time. All work is dependent on weather and the schedule could change.

Stuff the Bus Food Drive 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 18 Pax River Commissary parking lot St. Nicholas Chapel Youth Group and other volunteers will be collecting food donations for three local pantries.

Leatherneck 5K 9 a.m. May 2 Old Officers Club, near the golf course Route: 3.1 mile course out and back along Cedar point road from the golf course to the fishing pier.Registration: On Active.com (http://www. active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_ id=2103120 ) or in person at the Marine Aviation Detachment. Cost is $30 and includes T-Shirt, finisher’s medal and food. Open to all ages, military and civilians. Individuals without base access must make arrangements with the event coordinator prior to the event. Contact Daniel Hagarty at 301-342-7776 or daniel.hagarty@ navy.mil.

Where’s Gnorman?

Somewhere in this issue we’ve hidden Gnorman the gnome. Anyone spotting Gnorman can email tester@dcmilitary.com or phone 301-342-4163 now through 5 p.m.

Friday, and include a brief descrip-

tion of where he’s located. One name is drawn from all entries and wins a Center Stage Theater movie ticket. The same person cannot win more than once per month. Unfortunately, our regular layout artist went on vacation last week and, apparently, Gnorman went with her – as he did not appear in the April 9 issue. Sorry about that.

OFF BASE Holocaust Remembrance Event 6:30 p.m. April 18th Congregation Sha’are Shalom, 18 Henry Ford Circle, Waldorf Join us to hear Irene (Fogel) Weiss, a volunteer with the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, who survived the Munkács ghetto, the Auschwitz-Birkenau and Ravensbrück concentration camps. Dessert reception to follow. Register by emailing shaareshalom@gmail.com.

Safe Surfing in the Digital Era 2:30-4:30 p.m. April 23 Engility Corp., 22290 Exploration Drive, Lexington Park The Patuxent Partnership in collaboration with Air Combat Effectiveness Consulting Group (ACE) hosts this presentation. From Sony Pictures to government, health care and financial institutions – websites are vulnerable to attack. Free, but registration is requested ; email www.paxpartnership.org.

St. Nicholas Chapel Service Schedule Protestant Services • Worship 11 a.m. Sunday • Men’s Discipleship 6-7:30 p.m. Sunday Religious Programming Center • Women’s Study 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday and 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday Religious Programming Center Catholic Services • Mass 5 p.m. Sundays

Tester

Thursday, April 16, 2015

What’s Happening With MWR

Fleet and Family Support Center All classes are held at the Fleet and Family Support Center in Building 2090 off Bundy Road unless otherwise noted. Classes are open to active-duty and retired military and Reservists. Reservations are necessary and can be made at FFSC or by calling 301-342-4911.

Classes Playgroup at Glenn Forest Community Center: 10-11 a.m. April 16, 23 and 30 Infant Massage at Glenn Forest Community Center: 9-9:45 a.m.

April 16 1-2-3 Magic (three consecutive classes): Noon to 2 p.m. April 21 and 28 SAPR Refresher Training: 1-3 p.m. April 28 Command Financial Specialist Training (CFS) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13-17 CFS training is designed to provide financial education and training counseling and information referral at the command level.

To qualify for this CFS training the candidate must be E-6 or above, highly motivated and financially stable. Trained individuals will represent their command and provide education at the command level.

If you have any questions about signing up for the class, contact Jim Walsh at the Fleet and family Support Center at 301-342-5442.

No cost. Local orders required.

Ready Navy www.ready.navy.mil Spring has sprung, and hazardous weather conditions are right around the corner! If you would like an information packet on how to prepare for hurricanes,

9

For all MWR news, visit www. cnic.navy.mil/Patuxent and click on the Fleet and Family Readiness tab.

severe Weather, and other potential emergencies, stop by the Fleet and Family Support center to get a free information bag.

River’s Edge Mother’s Day Brunch May 10 at the River’s Edge Seatings available at 11:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Treat Mom and your family to a delicious and bountiful buffet at River’s Edge! Open to all with base access. Adults: $21.95, Children 6-11: $10.95, 5 and younger: $3; Member coupons are redeemable for this event. Gratuity not included. Reservations required, call 301-342-3656.

Clinical Counseling Services Clinical Counseling services can directly improve the quality of life of service members and their family by addressing the stressors facing today’s military. To make an appointment with a counselor, call 301-342-4911 or 202-685-6019.

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) EFMP is a DOD program that addresses the special needs of military families. Sailors with an exceptional family member -- a family member with special needs such as a medical or educational disability -- are encouraged to enroll in the EFMP so the Navy can do its part in caring for EFM needs.

Email James Lettner at james. lettner@navy.mil.

River’s Edge Lunch Bus The River’s Edge Shuttle Bus drives out to ATR, Buildings 2187, 2185, the Clinic/Moffet Building, Frank Knox Bldg., Presidential Helo, and Test Pilot School to pick up passengers looking to get out of their office for a great lunch without the worry of losing their parking spot!

View the shuttle schedule at www. cnic.navy.mil/riversedge/.

Financial Counseling Services The Personal Financial Educator can help individuals and families in managing their finances, resolving financial problems and to reach long-term goals. Take control of your finances and make an appointment with a counselor by calling 301-342-5442.

NRC Solomons Learn to Swim Registration (make up and late registration) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 18 Registration takes place at the Adventure Zone and resumes on Memorial Day Weekend at the Riverside Aquatics Complex during normal hours of operation.

Find Your Command Ombudsman Find out who your Ombudsman is. Visit www.ombudsmanregistry. org, click on “Contact Your Ombudsman” and follow the prompts, or call 301-757-1861 to speak with the NAS Patuxent River Ombudsman Coordinator.

Customized Creations Paint N’ Party 5-8 p.m. May 21 at the Bald Eagle Pub Cost: $35 per person. All ma-

terials are included in the price.

This program is open to all with base access ages 21 and older.

We will be painting a beautiful seahorse. Wine and drinks available to purchase from the bar. The Pub will open 30 minutes prior to the class for patrons to order food and drinks. Register at Customized Creations by May 13. For more information call Customized Creations.

ITT Richmond NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Offer Purchase a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series ticket and get: •Admission to Toyota Military Hospitality area located in the Amphitheater on race day — limited to first 1,500 participants — where you can enjoy: Refreshments, special appearances, complimentary Military Appreciation Pre-Race Pit Pass that is valid from 2-6:30 p.m.; time and weather permitting.

Tickets available at www.rir.com/ salute please select your base as “NAS Patuxent River”.

Garden Plot Rentals Available Now! Plot size: 30’x75’; $30 plus a $15 refundable clean up deposit charged for each plot rented. For more information, contact the ITT office.

Great Wolf Lodge Special June 26 (cutoff date is May 22) Cost: $412 for a two-night stay in a family suite that sleeps six. Includes six waterpark passes and $8 in arcade tokens.

Drill Hall Summer Hours Weekdays 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturdays and holidays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sundays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Earth Day 5K Run/3K Walk in support of SAPR 11 a.m. April 23 at the MWR Beach House Celebrate the Earth by being active and getting outside! Race is free to participate in and t-shirts are available for $12, $14 for XXL. Register at the Sports and Fitness Office in the Drill Hall or the day of the event.

Ballroom Dancing 6-8 p.m. Thursdays, beginning April 23 Cost: $48 per person. Register at the Sports and Fitness Office.

Health & Fitness Expo 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 7 at the Drill Hall Enjoy some light refreshments while gathering information on local programs, receiving health screenings, and trying out a group exercise class for Free! This event is open to all with base access. For more information, please contact the Fitness Coordinator at 301342-5449.

Rassieur Youth Center Co-ed Teen Lock-In 5-10 p.m. April 17 Cost: $2 per teen. During extended hours, teens are invited to come participate in fun activities, including a Nerf battle, within the

Teen Center. The theme of this lock-in is glow-in-the dark, so we encourage teens to wear neon colors. Teens need to bring their own Nerf gear; it will not be supplied.

Food and refreshments will be provided! All participating teens must have updated 2015 Open Recreation Teen Center registration packets on file. If you are a teen not currently enrolled in the Open Rec Program, registration packets are available at the Rassieur Youth Center and can be filled out upon arrival by your sponsor (parent/ guardian).

Family Cooking Night 6:30-8 p.m. April 24 Fee: $2 per person Come enjoy making taco salad and homemade salsa as a family.

This is a great opportunity to bond and spend time together! Register at the front desk or call 301-3421694 by the Wednesday prior.

Navy Flying Club Private Pilot Ground School 5-8 p.m. Mondays Building 2189 auditorium The Patuxent River Navy Flying Club is offering Private Pilot Ground School until May. The course meets the requirements for the FAA knowledge test and for Navy Continuous Learning credits.

For more information or to enroll in the course, contact Joe Dziewit at 301-862-1110, or come to the Club office located behind and next to the Post Office on base.

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Tester

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Around Town Master Gardener Clinics at the Library All three St. Mary’s County library branches will host “ Ask a Master Gardener” plant clinics through spring and into summer: 10 a.m. to noon., starting April 18, first and third Saturdays of each month at Charlotte Hall branch; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting April 21, first and third Tuesdays at Lexington Park branch; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting April 28, second and fourth Tuesdays, Leonardtown branch.

Cosmos Gallery Talk: Life on the Space Shuttle 1-2:30 p.m. April 19 Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center Join NAVAIR flight test engineer, Laura Slovey, discussing her experience with the Space Shuttle program. Learn about daily life aboard the shuttle and what happens when things don’t go as planned.

Bay-CSS Run, Walk, Roll 7 a.m. registration; 8 a.m. event April 25 Old Statehouse, St Mary’s City Please join Bay Community Support Services, Inc. for the 3rd Annual Bay-CSS Walk, Run and Roll to support the vital programs and services it provides to people with disabilities in Maryland. To avoid long registration lines and for $5.00 off the registration fee of $25.00, participants may register online. Find the link at www.baycss.org. Three courses to choose from; children 12 and under free.

Wrestling Event/Meet and Greet 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 25 Patuxent River VFW Post 2632, California Fans can meet and get autographed photos of Duck Dynasty character, Mountain Man; former WCW and WWE pro wrestler, Buff Bagwell; Lucha Underground TV star, Shane Strickland, and all of the TV stars of Ground Xero Wrestling.

Cost: $20. Also, beginning around 1:30 p.m. is the television taping of Ground Xero Wrestling vs. a pro wrestling school based out of Ridge, Md. and Richmond, Va. Tickets begin at $15. Bring a donation of canned food and receive $5 off. Purchase tickets at the VFW, at www. gogxw.com or phone 301-872-4356 for information.

• Discover other fun, interesting and educational things to do and places to go throughout the area by visiting: St. Mary’s County events: www.visitstmarysmd.com/ events-entertainment/ St. Mary’s County libraries: www.stmlib.org Calvert County events: www.co.cal.md.us Calvert Marine Museum: www.calvertmarinemuseum.com Charles County events: www.charlescountymd.gov/ calendar-date/month

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Tester

11

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Tester

Thursday, April 16, 2015

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Lexington Park - Spanish Villa

3 car garage, 5 bd, 5 ba, 14+ acres, wood floors throughout, Pool, decks, Granite, unfinished basement, shows like new.

Just Listed - Valley Lee Huge 5 bd, 3 ba, Handicapped accessible Includes: Zoned RCL, another home can be placed on the property 3.18 acres, deck on rear. Great Lot with commercial potential.

MLS# SM8565786 $249,900

MLS# SM8434863 $690,000

Hollywood, Waterfront Just Reduced

5 bd, 4 ba, nice pier, deck, gormet kitchen, fire place, cathederal ceilings, finished basement, Short Sale, sold as is.

Just Reduced - Hollywood Split Foyer, 4 bd, 3 ba, 6 acres, family room, huge deck on rear, wood floors, recently remodeled.

MLS# SM8319935 $275,000

MLS# SM8571309 $550,000

FRIDAY ALL DAY SAVINGS

April 17, 2015 Doors open at 7 a.m. any purchase of $25 $ or more of regular

5 off

priced merchandise.

Valid at Leonardtown and Charlotte Hall locations on April 17, 2015, only. Discount only applies to regular priced and in-stock merchandise. Not valid on online, sale or clearance priced merchandise, Weber© branded products, power equipment, in-store services, or previously purchased merchandise. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit 1 per customer, while supplies last. Other restrictions apply; see store for details.

SATURDAY ALL DAY SAVINGS

April 18, 2015 Doors open at 7 a.m. anything that % fits in an

20 off

Ace paper bag!

Valid at Leonardtown and Charlotte Hall locations on April 18, 2015, only. Discount applies to regular priced items, excludes sale and coupon items, power tools, licenses, gift cards and Weber© branded products. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit 1 per customer, while supplies last. Other restrictions apply; see store for details.

SUNDAY ALL DAY SAVINGS

April 19, 2015 Doors open at 8 a.m. any 1 regular % priced item

50 off

under $30

Valid at Leonardtown and Charlotte Hall locations on April 19, 2015, only. Discount only applies to regular priced and in-stock merchandise. Not valid on online, sale or clearance priced merchandise, Weber© branded products, power equipment, in-store services, or previously purchased merchandise. Other restrictions apply; see store for details. Maximum discount is $15. Limit one per customer.

G P GI R R VE A I WA NZ A D E SY

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